Back to School Sign- with SWAPPABLE name plates!

Using a 12x12 sheet of 1/8" basswood: cut, engrave and score the backer. My settings for the xTool S1 40w are attached.

After this is finished I like to sand the charring from the engraving on the front…don't forget the back too! I then blow off left over remnants in the engraving with some compressed air. 

I also stain the whole project with Minwax Weathered Oak; however, this step is not required if you want a natural look.  

Using Creative Fabrica's font “Digital Paper” for the name (or whatever font you have on hand!) customize the name plate. COPY and PASTE the name so you have a duplicate to do an offset on.

After typing the name use the “offset” option in XCS to give it the bubble background effect as shown in my example. Offset it as much or as little as you prefer. I change the name inside the offset to a SCORE so I know exactly where to place the letters so there is no guess work on placement. You can now stain the offset cut out if desired.

Cut the “first day of” plates as well, and stain if desired.

Using 1/8" dry erase sheets OR white acrylic if you have a CO2 laser- cut out the dry erase sections. 

1. Paint the letters for the name any color you'd like and secure them to the offset piece. 
2. Glue down dry erase sections.
3. Attach Velcro to backer and the removable parts: name plate and first day of plates.